Early Career Psychologists

Div. 49 provides resources for early career psychologists interested in group psychology and group psychotherapy to assist with career development, financial planning, work/life balance, funding and grants.

Join Div. 49

Joining Div. 49 as an early career psychologist allows you a range of benefits as you begin your career focusing on group psychology or group psychotherapy. Through our division, you can find mentors in your field and network with other professionals as well as mentor students who are just entering this field of psychology.

Leadership and Service

Interested in growing your leadership skills through involvement in Div. 49? Committee participation is an excellent way to become connected to a vibrant network of people who are passionate about groups.

Div. 49's academic journal, Group Dynamics: Theory, Research and Practice, deals with basic and applied topics in group research and application. To become a journal reviewer, contact Editor David Marcus.

Journals

Div. 49’s journal publishes original, empirical articles, theoretical analyses, literature reviews and brief reports dealing with basic and applied topics in the field of group research and application. The editors construe the phrase group dynamics in the broadest sense—the scientific study of all aspects of groups—and publish work by investigators in such fields as psychology, psychiatry, sociology, education, communication and business.

Journals published by APA and affiliated with APA are academic resources providing the latest peer-reviewed research in a variety of fields and sub-fields within psychology and employing a range of methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Many journals publish special issues around specific topics or themes, and we invite you to explore some of these special issues that center around social psychology and group dynamics.

The Chronicle of Higher Education provides advice about issues frequently faced by students in higher education and professionals beginning academic careers. Whether you need general encouragement, writing advice or suggestions for navigating academia, these columns have informative tips and resources

In this academic climate, it can be a challenge to secure a tenure-track position. Universities may vary in their expectations and achieving tenure can be a competitive, long process that requires a plan. If you’re on the tenure track, this article gives four key tips to making sure you get the ultimate prize.

Though you have likely been encouraged to search for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position, reports indicate that the largest increase in university faculty positions in recent years have been in full-time, non-tenure track positions.

This guide was written and reviewed by psychologists who have experienced or have close personal knowledge of the opportunities and special challenges academia poses for women and traditionally marginalized groups.

Work/Life Balance

APA offers a range of resources for early career psychologists, including resources related to financial planning, the financial realities for psychology doctorates, debt management, loan repayment and work-life balance.

Women early career psychologists can face specific challenges related to their many roles and the realities of juggling careers, family activities and community involvement. This presentation provides useful information and advice about self care specifically for women.

Self-care and nurturing your own psychological wellness can prevent burnout, vicarious traumatization and assist in maintaining professional competence. This presentation explains why self care is so important for those in the "caring professions," especially psychologists.

Work and family don't automatically have a negative impact on each other, say experts studying this area. It’s not job versus family. Work and family can benefit each other, psychological research shows.

Stress can take a toll on physical health, while physical challenges can bring new stress. By understanding how stress impacts health and steps we can take to stay emotionally balanced, we can lay the foundation for complete wellness.

Clinical Practice

Guidelines and Print Resources

APA has approved as policy a variety of professional practice guidelines and related criteria in areas such as multicultural practice, child custody evaluations and treatment of gay, lesbian and bisexual clients.

The American Group Psychotherapy Association describes itself as “the voice of group therapy for mental health clinicians and the public-at-large, both nationally and internationally.” Some specific types of resources they provide are: